Social Media Alert: Top 13 Retinal Research Advancements of 2013

I admittedly am not a heavy social-media user — I am not much for “tweeting” — but as I put together this list of the top retinal research advancements of 2013, I realized it would make great content for social media. Of course, my FFB colleagues will be sure to get the list out via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Whether or not you are a member of the Foundation family, I encourage you to share the list through your networks as well. Let friends and family know about the cutting-edge research we make possible, either directly or indirectly. Nothing against posting a photo of your latest advances in fruitcake development, but our sight-saving research achievements are wonderful content for dissemination through cyberspace.

For those of you who are FFB supporters, keep in mind that this is, in fact, your news. None of these great advancements would have been possible without your generous and tireless support.

Without further ado, here is my list of the Top 13 Retinal Research Advancements of 2013:

My daughter is 24 yrs old and has rod-cone dystrophy, she was diagnosed 4 yrs ago. I am interesting in finding what is the latest research in this area and any possible treatments or human trails that addresses rod-cone dystrophy.

Your daughter should consider genetic testing to try and identify her disease gene/mutation. A molecular diagnosis is the most accurate diagnosis possible. With the genetic information she can check the medical databases to see what, if any research is being done. She also may be able to qualify for gene therapy trials that are taking place. For information on genetic testing, please see the following web link to download a PDF document:http://www.blindness.org/sites/default/files/genetic_testing_booklet_201311rev.pdf
Whether your daughter identifies her disease gene or not, she should consider participating in FFB’s “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that can help you find out about clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link:https://www.myretinatracker.org/

It may also be helpful for your daughter to periodically check the website: http://WWW.CLINICALTRIALS.GOV which is maintained by the National Institutes of Health and contains a searchable list of clinical trials for most known diseases. Each clinical trial listing will provide you with information on what the study is about, the requirements for participating and contact information.

One of my grandchildren, now 11, was diagnosed with RP in 2010.Since then I have been reading and looking for good information concerning possible improvements in different investigations being carried out in several countries to deal with this sad condition and other retinal diseases, considered rare up to now. Fortunately, there are many clinical trials all over the world, suggested gen and stem cell therapies, …. Your blog Eye on the Cure is very encouraging. I hope there will be excellent news in a few years to help patients overcome any kind of retinal disease.

Approximately 50% of all cone dystrophies are due to mutations in the ABCA4 gene. Your daughter should try to obtain a molecular diagnosis.
For information on genetic testing, please see the following web link to download a PDF document:

You should also consider participating in FFB’s “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that can help you find out about clinical trials that are recruiting for your specific disease. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link:https://www.myretinatracker.org/

You should look at the website: http://WWW.CLINICALTRIALS.GOV , which
is maintained by the National Institutes of Health and contains a searchable list of clinical trials for most known diseases. Each clinical trial listing will provide you with information on what the study is about, the requirements for participating and contact information.

Dear Sir, I had been undergone retinal surgery of left eye to reattach retina (vitrectomy) which was detached in the year 1993 performed by Professor David Mcleod in UK Manchester Royal Eye hospital. The retina reattached but the restoration of my vision is not recovered still blarred only small amount of light and very tiny objects are appeared I am professional engineer of 59 years old. I would like to ask Is there any hope for me after the development of stem cell techniques. Kindly feed back to me I shall be greatful to you.
Regards,
M.J. Abbasi
00-966-545034571 -

FFB-supported scientist, Dr. Michael Young has teamed up with the U.K. company, Reneuron (www.reneuron.com) to develop stem cell treatments for retinal disease. Please see the following web link: http://www.blindness.org/blog/index.php/several-new-stem-cell-clinical-trials-poised-to-begin-in-two-to-three-years/
You may also want to try to identify the disease gene/mutation. A molecular diagnosis is the most accurate diagnosis possible. With the genetic information you can check the medical databases to see what, if any research is being done. You also may be able to qualify for gene therapy trials that are taking place. For information on genetic testing, please see the following web link to download a PDF document:

Whether you identify your disease gene or not, you should consider participating in FFB’s “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that can help you find out about clinical trials that are recruiting for your specific disease. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link:https://www.myretinatracker.org/

It may also be helpful to periodically check the website: http://WWW.CLINICALTRIALS.GOV which is maintained by the National Institutes of Health and contains a searchable list of clinical trials for most known diseases. Each clinical trial listing will provide you with information on what the study is about, the requirements for participating and contact information.

Regular Contributors

Dr. Steve Rose

Steve is highly respected for his expertise and tireless commitment to finding treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal diseases. Read More...

Ben Shaberman

As the Foundation's Director, Science Communica- tions, Ben writes science and research articles for the Foundation’s website, newsletters and Eye on the Cure blog. Read More...

Rich Shea

As the Foundation's Associate Director, Communica- tions & Marketing, Rich writes and edits content for all of the Foundation’s print and online publications, including its blog, Eye on the Cure. Read More...

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